PFC John M. Dalton M-60 Gunner 2nd Platoon C 1-5

         Excerpt from the Army's After Action Report. This is from an 18 page document     
         titled 'The Battle of Charlie Company 1st of the 5th on the Cambodian Border',    
         Nov. 21st, 1966. Unit Historical Report No. 7, declassification number 873541.    
         "When the attack on the right flank began, Private First Class John M.       
          Dalton moved his machine gun to the right and set it up. As the NVA advanced 
          he repulsed them several times with a withering volume of fire. Wounded by   
         shrapnel, Dalton remained at the gun, frustrating attempts to overrun the    
          platoon. Wounded again by a bullet, the determined gunner remained at his    
          weapon firing until he lost consciousness. Dalton, who died at his gun, had  
          managed to save the second platoon from being overrun before the air strikes 
          ended all such plans for the attacking NVA."     

No one is sure what decorations John received for this act of heroism.  We are trying to search Army records to determine whether he was sufficiently recognized.  There is not an official list for awards of the Distinguished Service Cross although some research has been done for some, but not all 1st Cavalry recipients.  To be honest, I consider this Medal of Honor level valor.  It is indeed possible to have a valor award upgraded. 

Update, I was contacted by the family of John Dalton, he was awarded the Silver Star, further action will be taken to see about an upgrade.